Vanua Levu

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Vanua Levu is Fiji’s second largest island. Less tourist-oriented than Viti Levu, there's still lots to see and do for the more adventurous traveller.

Savusavu town is set in beautiful surroundings, with a protected bay that is a popular mooring for yachts. Wasali Nature Reserve is an untouched rainforest with hiking trails leading to spectacular views. Whether touring the Snake Temple near Labasa, diving to see the soft corals or just exploring along the Hibiscus highway, Vanua Levu has lots to offer.

History

Initially known as Sandalwood Island to Europeans, Vanua Levu had its time as a wild colonial outpost with sailors and escaped convicts from Australia calling the Island home while trading in the island's timber. Since then, it has calmed down and become the mainstay of Fiji's sugar cane industry with tourism becoming an increasingly important part of the island's economy.

Accommodation

There are a range of homestays and backpackers in Savusavu which are worth checking out. Nearby are resorts that offer amazing beaches and access to the region's famed dive spots.

Activities

Dolphin Watching
A trip to Natewa bay, either through your resort or by finding a local guide in the nearby villages, will get you up close with the local pod of dolphins. Spinner and bottle-nose are both common. In the unlikely event that you are unable to find them, the bay still offers great diving and snorkelling spots to make the trip worthwhile.

Fiji Link operates a direct daily morning flight from Nadi to Savusavu. Flights from Suva occur every Tuesday and Thursday. Commuters could also choose to fly into Labasa airport from Nadi (once daily) or Suva (three times daily; twice on Sundays) and then take a scenic bus or taxi ride to Savusavu; approximately 90-minutes by road. The luggage limit for checked baggage is 15kg on all Fiji Link domestic routes.

If you wish to explore Vanua Levu's many charms by road, a great option would be Goundar's Shipping or Patterson Brothers which operate reguar ferry services from Viti Levu to Savusavu and Nabouwalu (in the South-west corner of Vanua Levu).

Regular bus services operate between Savusavu and Labasa and a daily bus does the Labasa/Tavenui run (via Savusavu) that connects with the small ferry at Natuvu. There are numerous taxis at Savusavu market that are quite affordable.